Thiamethoxam is a neonicotinoid insecticide that mimics the structure of nicotine. Nicotine was identified and used as an insecticide and rodenticide in the early 1600s. This active ingredient is highly effective in killing a variety of insects that are harmful to humans and crops.
Efficiency and Mechanism of Action:
- Thiamethoxam is a contact and stomach poison. When pests eat or come into direct contact with the insecticide, their nervous system is affected, leading to convulsions, loss of control, and death.
- The active ingredient has a broad spectrum of action and is highly effective against a wide range of insects such as aphids, whiteflies, thrips, leafhoppers, mealybugs, white grubs, Colorado potato beetles, fleas, nematodes, ground beetles, leafminers, and some spider mites.
Application:
- Thiamethoxam is used for soil and foliar treatment of a wide range of crops, including brassicas, leafy and fruit vegetables, potatoes, rice, cotton, deciduous fruits, coffee, citrus, tobacco, and soybeans.
- It is also used to treat seeds for crops such as corn, sorghum, cereals, sugar beets, rapeseed, cotton, peas, beans, sunflowers, rice, and potatoes.
- In addition, thiamethoxam is used to control flies in veterinary and public health.
Advantages:
- Thiamethoxam is highly effective and less toxic to mammals.
- This active ingredient is water-soluble and breaks down slowly in the environment, helping to protect plants from insects for a long time.
Disadvantages:
- The use of Thiamethoxam can have negative environmental impacts, including honey bee colony collapse disorder and bird loss due to reduced insect populations.
- Resistance to Thiamethoxam has developed in some areas.
According to WHO standards, the active ingredient belongs to toxic class III, so Thiamethoxam has relatively mild toxicity. However, users when using products containing Thiamethoxam need to strictly follow the safety measures on the label when applying.
